A firm has launched an air filter for strollers that cuts toxic* gases by up to 80 percent around a baby’s head. Acting as a pillow supporting the baby’s head, it first cleans air of pollutants*, then circulates the filtered air to create a “bubble” of air around the baby’s head. Called the Brizi ecosystem, it has been endorsed and tested as effective by Surrey University professor Prashant Kumar. Kumar published research that shows pollution is higher at street level, where children in strollers are located, than at head height. The inventor of the Brizi, Yosi Romano, contacted Kumar, who tested the product in his laboratory. Romano was inspired to create the device after his first daughter was born three years ago. The result is the Brizi ecosystem, which is expected to sell for US$130. On its Kickstarter funding page, Brizi writes: “Brizi Baby is a patented*, high-function fan filter embedded* in a comfortable cushion. It works together with a digital app and a portable Brizi Sensor to form a clean air ecosystem.” The product consists of an electronic sensor, which detects the levels of pollution, and a smartphone app that monitors polluting gases, which it uploads to the Internet to inform others of pollution levels. It can also guide the user away from pollution hotspots. Finally the air filter cleans the air around the baby’s head. The filter has two layers, a carbon layer to absorb gases such as oxides of nitrogen*, which have been linked to asthma* and respiratory* disease and carbon monoxide*, another toxic gas. It also has a magnetic metal filter, which traps particulates*, tiny pieces of metal produced by vehicle engines.(SD-Agencies) |